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Author Topic: .357 Max problems  (Read 1305 times)

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Offline Goatwhiskers

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.357 Max problems
« on: February 19, 2011, 03:10:53 PM »
Thought you fellas might be interested in a difficulty I encountered today.  The gun is a Martini Cadet that I converted to the Max and started out shooting some Hornady 180gr HP, but I have a low opinion of shooting something like deer with a HP, so ordered some 185gr and 200gr hard cast gas checked bullets to try sized .359 based on recommendation of the maker.  When I got the OAL worked out the 185gr chambered a little stiff but thought nothing of it.  The 200gr were as bad or worse to chamber and very hard to extract.  Turns out after much measuring and head scratching that I have a tight chamber and the .359 bullets would expand the case to .378 OD which would bind in the chamber.  The case with a Hornady bullet (.3565) only expanded to .375, so I sized a couple bullets to .357 and that solved the problem.  Would have tried a .358 sizer but didn't have one.  Gonna size a few tomorrow and see what I get for accuracy.  Goatwhiskers the Elder
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Offline Nobade

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Re: .357 Max problems
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2011, 01:59:11 AM »
Yep, most Max reamers are around .380" to .381". You really have a small one. Have to size those bullets a bit. On the bright side you don't have to resize the brass - just seat a new bullet and a light taper crimp should work well.
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Offline Goatwhiskers

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Re: .357 Max problems
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2011, 03:28:49 AM »
Kinda thinking about sizing a couple to .358 and trying them.  My bore slugs at .358 so possibly might be a better match if they don't drag in the chamber.  In the meantime gonna try the .357 for accuracy.  Goatwhiskers
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Offline keith44

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Re: .357 Max problems
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2011, 06:00:16 AM »
I am sure I don't need to remind you of the higher pressures involved with such a tight fitting chamber so this is for those who read a little, get just enough knowledge to be dangerous and then set about trying to make their own way on half truths.

With those cases not able to expand enough to release the bullet easily, you will raise chamber pressures, if the bullet is also trying to "bump up" due to hitting the smaller leade and rifling chamber pressures could reach a dangerous level.  Careful as you go
 ;)
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Offline Goatwhiskers

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Re: .357 Max problems
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2011, 06:30:32 AM »
For those interested, I found that a teeny crimp solved all problems--charged case w/a .360 bullet drops right in no resistance.  Onward from here.  Goatwhiskers
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Offline S.E.Ak

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Re: .357 Max problems
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2011, 09:15:06 AM »
Often its the little things ain't it
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